2022 Impact 50: Samantha Kirby Yoh

Partner & Co-Head Of Global Music
UTA

As Co-Head of Global Music at UTA, Samantha Kirby Yoh is one of the heaviest hitters in the music industry. Representing acts such as Massive Attack, LCD Soundsystem, MIA, FKA twigs, Grimes, Bjork, Rosalía and more, Kirby Yoh is one of the most powerful women in the industry. With live music returning, she is continuing to ramp up her department. 

“We have seen multiple examples indicating that the demand for concerts has returned, including the successes of Bad Bunny’s arena tour and upcoming stadium tour, Machine Gun Kelly’s worldwide tour and Rosalía’s worldwide tour,” Kirby Yoh says. “I believe that this consumer confidence will continue. The industry may also pivot their touring strategies so that artists can perform in more intimate venues across additional nights in venues where audiences feel more comfortable in smaller crowds.”

With sustainability and the need to combat climate change beginning to become more dire than ever, she is also helping lead Green initiatives.

“There is a large cross-section of agents and executives who are leading UTA Music’s efforts for UTA Green,” Kirby Yoh says. “This initiative aims to provide the resources and tools needed to reduce the music industry’s environmental impact, educate and train our teams, create spaces for conversations and community development, and enhance our ability to volunteer for climate change action.”

As someone who recognizes the continued need for inclusivity, Kirby Yoh has been working within UTA to allow more ample opportunity.

“In addition to Justice Now and our work with Diversify The Stage, UTA has an externship program that partners with the UTA event series La Femme Majeure to create a special track for women externs looking to break into the music industry,” Kirby Yoh says. “The company has instituted unconscious bias training for all UTA employees, and created an internal Leadership Council comprised of a diverse coalition of colleagues from all levels to advise, shape and influence company culture and policy.”